Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Aug 8: Rainwater accumulation on national highways and city four-lane roads is causing accidents as high-speed vehicles splash muddy water onto oncoming traffic.

Water collects at the edges of many national highways and city roads, creating hazards when vehicles splash water onto windshields, startling drivers and increasing the risk of losing control. There have been several accidents due to this issue.

On National Highway 66, water accumulates in areas such as MCF Baikampady, NMPT Panambur, Baikampady, Surathkal, Kuntikan, Thokkottu, Pumpwell, Nanthoor, Kuloor, and on National Highway 75 at BC Road, Farangipete, and under the Padil railway underpass. In the city, water stagnates at places like the Jail Road to MG Road connection, Ballalbagh, Chilimbi, and Kankanady, affecting two-wheelers and pedestrians.

Large potholes remain unaddressed, making travel perilous, especially on NH 66 from Kuloor to Surathkal. The Kuloor bridge has eroded asphalt and concrete, revealing gravel. Evening traffic jams often delay ambulances and emergency travellers. Poor road conditions also affect inner city travel.

Parking trucks and large containers along the highways exacerbates the problem by reducing visibility during rain, leading to collisions and traffic congestion.

Mayor Sudhir Shetty Kannur said, “The issue of standing water and splashing on roads has been noted. High-speed traffic poses serious risks. A letter will be sent to the national highway department to address and rectify this issue.”